Pastor Arrested for Grooming and Alleged Sexual Abuse of Two Teenagers

The 67-year-old pastor, identified by his initials H.E.M., remains in detention following the expansion of charges against him. Initially arrested for alleged grooming, the case has now included accusations of sexual abuse against two minors. The Prosecutor’s Office formalized the charge extension on May 29 during a comprehensive declaration of the accused, citing the religious leader’s status as a minister of worship in relation to the alleged offenses.

According to the prosecution, one of the adolescents reported incidents occurring between July and December 2025 while performing cleaning work at a residence in Barranqueras. The alleged conduct reportedly involved touching without consent and was said to have occurred repeatedly between February and April of this year. Investigators suggest the pastor exploited a trusting relationship with the minor to carry out the alleged acts.

The indictment has also incorporated the testimony of another 14-year-old minor, who alleges similar incidents took place between January and April 2026 during religious activities at a church in Barranqueras. The investigation was initially prompted by a complaint from a 16-year-old adolescent, who reported exchanging messages of sexual content with the accused via WhatsApp in April of this year. These communications led to his arrest on May 19 under the charge of grooming, as outlined in article 131 of the Criminal Code.

The prosecution maintains that the accused’s actions could be classified as grooming, a crime that involves the manipulation of a minor for sexual purposes. The case highlights the legal framework surrounding the exploitation of trust in religious contexts and the potential for abuse of power within such settings. The judicial process continues as the charges against the pastor are evaluated.

The case underscores the importance of accountability and the need for institutions to safeguard vulnerable individuals. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with positions of influence, particularly in environments where trust is a foundational element. The pursuit of justice in such matters reflects a commitment to protecting the vulnerable and ensuring that those in positions of authority are held to the highest standards of conduct.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)